Written by Falcon• September 20, 2025• 6:42 am• Business

How to Start a Business in Sharjah Free Zone in 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has for years been a beacon of hope for international entrepreneurs and within the emirates, Sharjah is quickly becoming one of the most economical and strategically located business hubs. By then, establishing such a zone in Sharjah provides investors with full ownership of their project, tax subsidies and access to international waters for the transportation of goods.A similar set-up that had developed there by 2025 looked like it would be a more attractive solution than Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

For entrepreneurs interested in a business-focused space with lower setup costs, Sharjah Free Zone is a strategic option. This guide outlines why you would want to do business in Sharjah, what are the documents and fees involved, and the company registration process in 2025.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Sharjah Free Zone in 2025?

Sharjah has positioned itself as a competitive hub for SMEs, startups, and global enterprises. Here are the key reasons why:

100% Foreign Ownership: Investors can retain full control of their company without the need for a local sponsor.
Tax Exemptions: Zero corporate and personal income taxes make it attractive to entrepreneurs.
Strategic Location: Sharjah is connected to major seaports and international airports, making it ideal for trade.
Lower Costs: Compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah offers more affordable setup and rental fees.
Business-Friendly Policies: Streamlined licensing procedures ensure faster company formation.

With these advantages, more international businesses are turning to sharjah free zone as their launchpad in the Middle East.

Types of Licenses Available in Sharjah Free Zone

When you set up a business in the UAE , choosing the right license is crucial. Sharjah Free Zone offers several options, depending on your activity:

Commercial License: For trading and import/export businesses.
Professional/Service License: For consultancy, IT, marketing, and professional services.
Industrial License: For manufacturing and industrial activities.
E-Commerce License: For online businesses selling products or services.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business in Sharjah Free Zone

Here’s how to start your company in Sharjah Free Zone in 2025:

Choose Your Business Activity
- Decide whether you will trade, consult, manufacture, or operate online.
Select License Type
- Apply for the appropriate license based on your activity.
Reserve a Trade Name
- Submit 2–3 name options for approval. Ensure they follow UAE naming guidelines.
Prepare Documents
- Gather required documents (passport copies, visa, business plan, etc.).
Submit Application & Pay Fees
- Submit all documents to the free zone authority and pay registration fees.
Obtain Business License
- Once approved, your license will be issued.
Open Bank Account
- Use your license and company documents to open a UAE corporate bank account.

This process usually takes 5–10 working days, depending on the activity and free zone.

Required Documents in 2025

When applying for a business license in Sharjah Free Zone, you’ll need:

Valid passport copies of shareholders and directors.
Visa and Emirates ID (if you are a UAE resident).
Passport-sized photographs with a white background.
Business plan (mandatory for some licenses).
No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you are a resident sponsored by an employer.
Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) (for some structures).
Application form from the licensing authority.
Trade name reservation certificate.

Costs & Timelines

One of the biggest reasons investors choose Sharjah Free Zone is affordability.

Company Setup Packages: Starting from AED 8,000–12,000, depending on license type and office requirements.
Renewal Fees: Annual renewals are straightforward and often cheaper than other emirates.
Timeline: Most businesses can be established within 1–2 weeks.

Compared to Dubai’s higher costs, Sharjah provides a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on global access.

Benefits of Setting Up in Sharjah Free Zone

Cost-Effective: Lower setup and operating costs.
Global Connectivity: Access to seaports, airports, and trade networks.
Simplified Regulations: Fast and efficient approval process.
Full Repatriation of Profits: 100% of profits and capital can be sent abroad.
Sector Diversity: Suitable for trading, e-commerce, manufacturing, and services.

Pro Tips for Investors in 2025

Always prepare attested copies of documents, especially if issued outside the UAE.
Use professional consultants to avoid mistakes in documentation.
Choose license packages that match your business activity to save costs.
Consider free zones like SPC Free Zone, which offer affordable and flexible company setup packages.

Final Thoughts

Beginning of Your Business in Sharjah Free Zone in 2025 Now is also another smartest investment by Global entrepreneurs. With competitive infrastructure and company-friendly laws that safeguard the rights of investors, Sharjah possesses everything to sustain growth in the UAE market for decades.

With the right paperwork and a straightforward step-by-step, you can register your business in next to no time and get down to doing business in one of the fastest growing economies currently making headlines in the region.

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